Google’s suite of products has become an integral part of many digital lives, with Gmail and Google Maps often seen as indispensable tools. However, when it comes to Google Calendar, users may find themselves yearning for alternatives that offer more modern features and flexibility. The challenge of finding a suitable replacement for this essential scheduling tool is one that many are willing to undertake.
Why would I want a Google Calendar alternative?
Despite its widespread use, Google Calendar presents certain limitations that can hinder productivity. One notable drawback is the cumbersome process of managing events across multiple Google accounts. For individuals juggling both personal and professional commitments, the inability to seamlessly transfer events between accounts can lead to unnecessary duplication of effort. This shortcoming can be particularly frustrating when a work-related event is mistakenly created in a personal calendar.
Moreover, Google Calendar has yet to fully embrace the advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning that have transformed other applications. Users still find themselves manually entering event details, rather than enjoying the convenience of natural language processing that allows them to simply state, “Dinner tomorrow at 7 PM.” Additionally, the user interface has some peculiar design choices, such as hiding free days from the agenda view, which complicates event scheduling and wastes valuable screen space.
While the service itself operates smoothly, the app’s limitations have prompted many to explore alternatives. In recent weeks, several promising candidates have emerged, each offering unique features that may better suit users’ needs.
Business Calendar 2 answers my prayers
Among the contenders, Business Calendar 2 stands out as a robust alternative. This decade-old app provides a comprehensive calendaring experience that caters to both casual users and professionals alike. Its default month view is particularly advantageous for those managing numerous daily events, offering various display options to suit individual preferences.
One of the app’s standout features is its ability to sync calendars and task lists from multiple Google accounts, making it easy to switch events between calendars with just a few taps. The inclusion of a week slider allows users to adjust the number of days displayed, while a dedicated Birthdays view adds a personal touch. Perhaps most impressively, Business Calendar 2 supports natural language input, enabling users to add events by simply speaking, which streamlines the event creation process significantly.
While the app is not without its flaws—such as the limitation of natural language support to voice input and the absence of a combined month/agenda view—it remains a compelling choice, especially considering its free-to-use model.
DigiCal’s views variety and weather data are brilliant
Another noteworthy alternative is DigiCal, which offers a blend of calendar functionality and weather information. This app provides a visually appealing layout with a month-on-top, agenda-below format that many users find helpful. DigiCal also includes a weather feature that displays a three-day forecast, ideal for planning outdoor activities. For those willing to pay for the premium version, additional features such as a ten-day forecast and access to themed calendars are available.
Despite its appealing design and useful features, DigiCal lacks the natural language support that enhances the user experience in other apps. Nevertheless, its unique combination of calendar and weather functionalities sets it apart from competitors.
I like Notion Calendar’s UI, but that’s about it
For those seeking a fresh perspective, Notion Calendar offers an attractive user interface, although it falls short in functionality. While it allows integration with Google accounts and provides a simple onboarding process, the app currently offers limited views and lacks advanced features such as natural language event entry. Users who appreciate Notion’s aesthetic may find value in its calendar, but it does not serve as a comprehensive alternative to Google Calendar.
What about alternative Google Calendar widgets?
For users who prefer to stick with Google Calendar but desire enhanced widget options, there are alternatives worth considering:
- Calendar Widget by Home Agenda: This customizable widget offers a sleek design and supports multiple calendars, making it a versatile addition to any device.
- Event Flow Widget: Providing both calendar and agenda views, this widget allows for a quick overview of upcoming events and tasks.
Which Google Calendar alternative should you use?
Ultimately, Business Calendar 2 emerges as the frontrunner for those seeking a feature-rich alternative to Google Calendar. Its extensive capabilities, particularly for users managing multiple calendars, make it a strong contender. DigiCal offers a unique weather integration, while Notion Calendar appeals to those who prioritize aesthetics over functionality. As the search for the perfect calendar solution continues, users may find that their ideal app lies within this diverse array of options.
